Topics in geriatrics: Arthritis
Discuss the general term arthritis and go in depth on the two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, how they are the same and how they differ. Discuss some general treatment ideas.
Learning objective 1. Be able to define arthritis 2. Learn about osteoarthritis and treatment ideas 3. Learn about rheumatoid arthritis and treatment ideas 4. Understand the main similarities and differences between the two
Defining arthritis: Arthritis is when one or more of your joints become inflamed. The main complaint from patients with arthritis is joint pain and stiffness, which usually worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatments vary depending on which type of arthritis the patient presents with. The main goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Understanding osteoarthritis and treatment ideas:
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects roughly 27 million Americans each year. It is the most common type of arthritis. OA occurs when the protective tissues or cartilage is worn down so much that the bones begin to rub against one another. This causes an increase in pain and stiffness and results in a loss of function. Some risk factors that increase a persons risk of getting OA include aging, genetic problems, or joint injuries. Women are affected at a higher rate than men. Women older than 45 have a higher risk of developing this disease.
Treatment for OA attempts to address the main symptoms that include pain, swelling, and reduced function (1). Some examples of non-drug treatments are exercise, heat or cold modalities, education, rest, stretching, and surgery (joint replacement). Exercise treatment includes strengthening around the joint, weight bearing exercises, range of motion exercises, low weight and high reps, and develop appropriate muscle balance around the joint (4). Drug based treatments include the use of NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids.
Understanding RA and treatment ideas:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis and an autoimmune disorder that affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Symptoms are usually bilateral. RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of joints and causes painful swelling (6). This breakdown of the lining can eventually lead to destruction of bone and joint deformity. RA can also have effects on the patients’ skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. This type of arthritis is more common in women and usually occurs after the age of 40.
Treatment for RA symptoms include eating a balanced diet (2), exercise, joint protection (3), stress management, aquatic therapy, surgery, and medications. It is important to keep your joints flexible. Patients can also use splints and braces to help the affected joints. Some medications that can help patients with RA include NSAIDs, steroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Main similarities and differences between OA and RA: (8)
Characteristic
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Age at which the condition starts
It can begin at any time in life but most commonly after 40 years of age with females
Mostly begins later in life but is most common in women over the age of 45
Speed of onset
Rapid onset compared to OA
Slow onset that usually gets worse over the years
Joint symptoms
Pain, stiffness, swollen
Pain, aching, little swelling
Pattern of joints that are affected
It mainly affects smaller joints bilaterally but can also effect larger joints
Symptoms usually begin on one side of the body and mainly affect weight bearing joints
Duration of morning stiffness
Morning stiffness lasts longer than 1 hour
Morning stiffness usually lasts less than 1 hour. Stiffness can return at the end of the day or after a lot of activity
Presence of symptoms affecting the whole body (systemic)
Constant fatigue and patient can feel ill
No whole body symptoms are present
References:
1.Alaaeddine, N., & Okais, J. (2012). Use of complementary and alternative therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 3198(204), 21–22.
2.Duncan, K. (2015). Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Today’s Dietitian, 50(6), 3.
3.Ryan, S. (2014). Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and management. Practice Nurse, 44(6), 36–40.
4.Felson, D. T., & Lawrence, R. C. (200AD). Osteoarthritis: New Insights. Part 2: Treatment Approaches. Annals of Internal Medicine, 133(9), 726–737.
5.Oliveria, M. D., & Dalcero, K. (2015). Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 29(6), 570–580.
Discuss the general term arthritis and go in depth on the two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, how they are the same and how they differ. Discuss some general treatment ideas.
Learning objective
1. Be able to define arthritis
2. Learn about osteoarthritis and treatment ideas
3. Learn about rheumatoid arthritis and treatment ideas
4. Understand the main similarities and differences between the two
Defining arthritis:
Arthritis is when one or more of your joints become inflamed. The main complaint from patients with arthritis is joint pain and stiffness, which usually worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatments vary depending on which type of arthritis the patient presents with. The main goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Understanding osteoarthritis and treatment ideas:
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects roughly 27 million Americans each year. It is the most common type of arthritis. OA occurs when the protective tissues or cartilage is worn down so much that the bones begin to rub against one another. This causes an increase in pain and stiffness and results in a loss of function. Some risk factors that increase a persons risk of getting OA include aging, genetic problems, or joint injuries. Women are affected at a higher rate than men. Women older than 45 have a higher risk of developing this disease.
Treatment for OA attempts to address the main symptoms that include pain, swelling, and reduced function (1). Some examples of non-drug treatments are exercise, heat or cold modalities, education, rest, stretching, and surgery (joint replacement). Exercise treatment includes strengthening around the joint, weight bearing exercises, range of motion exercises, low weight and high reps, and develop appropriate muscle balance around the joint (4). Drug based treatments include the use of NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids.
Understanding RA and treatment ideas:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis and an autoimmune disorder that affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Symptoms are usually bilateral. RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of joints and causes painful swelling (6). This breakdown of the lining can eventually lead to destruction of bone and joint deformity. RA can also have effects on the patients’ skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. This type of arthritis is more common in women and usually occurs after the age of 40.
Treatment for RA symptoms include eating a balanced diet (2), exercise, joint protection (3), stress management, aquatic therapy, surgery, and medications. It is important to keep your joints flexible. Patients can also use splints and braces to help the affected joints. Some medications that can help patients with RA include NSAIDs, steroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Main similarities and differences between OA and RA: (8)
References:
1. Alaaeddine, N., & Okais, J. (2012). Use of complementary and alternative therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 3198(204), 21–22.
2. Duncan, K. (2015). Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Today’s Dietitian, 50(6), 3.
3. Ryan, S. (2014). Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and management. Practice Nurse, 44(6), 36–40.
4. Felson, D. T., & Lawrence, R. C. (200AD). Osteoarthritis: New Insights. Part 2: Treatment Approaches. Annals of Internal Medicine, 133(9), 726–737.
5. Oliveria, M. D., & Dalcero, K. (2015). Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 29(6), 570–580.
6. Diseases and Condition-Rheumatoid Arthritis. (2014, October 29). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/treatment/con-20014868
7. Diseases and Condition-Arthritis. (2014, July 15). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/basics/definition/con-20034095
8. Comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis - Topic Overview. (2012, June 5). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/tc/comparing-rheumatoid-arthritis-and-osteoarthritis-topic-overview
Resources:
1. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/arthritis/osteoarthritis
2. http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis_ff.asp#d
3. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/
4. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoarthritis.html
5. http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis-pictures/natural-osteoarthritis-treatments.aspx#03
6. http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/physical-therapy-for-rheumatoid-arthritis